Clamps slipping when starting first right main.

[Sparkyovcov]

Here is my stringing method.

Starting clamp on right main, pull tension on left main, clamp right main with fixed clamp.

Pull reference tension and clamp left main 1,2, and then 3.

Pull tension again on right main, release starting clamp, then release fixed clamp ready to clamp again.

MY PROBLEM is that sometimes when I release the fixed clamp on right main, the clamp on the left main allows the string to slip thorough the jaws.

Is this a case of not tightening enough, not clean enough (I clean clamps regularly), or the string being slippier in some cases?

Does this happen to others and are there any tips to avoid it?

 

[Irvin]

Does not sound right. The clamp on 3LM slips when you remove clamp on 1RM? That's 4 mains away. Your clamps are dirty, worn out, and or not adjusted properly.

 

[bl14]

Does not sound right. The clamp on 3LM slips when you remove clamp on 1RM? That's 4 mains away. Your clamps are dirty, worn out, and or not adjusted properly.

I have this problem on my gamma flying clamp stringer which is pretty new. I solve it by tightening the clamps more. Are there any negative results about this? It seems to have worked so far

 

[t135]

I double clamp to solve the problem.

 

[kicker75]

So many variables that this could be happening so it's hard to say, but I concur with Irwin. Very odd that your clamp would slip at that point in the process unless the clamp is bad in some way?

 

[am1899]

...Your clamps are dirty, worn out, and or not adjusted properly.

I agree.

To the OP - when this has happened, what have you done to get around it? I usually start with adjusting the clamps and move on from there.

 

[Sparkyovcov]

Yes it does happen, but only occasnally, I clean and tighten clamps sufficiently as to not crush the string. There is no rhyme or reason for when it happens. Didn't know if it happens to anybody else.

I know the clamps have 4 strings difference but this does happen so I can only comment on what I see. It may be the clamps are worn out. But on another day there will be no problem at all.

 

[Irvin]

Sparkyovcov I believe what you're saying it just seems wierd. I would swap the clamps on the left and right to see if the problems stays with one clamp. If it does you may need to replace that clamp although I would replace both or have them reconditioned.

 

[Sparkyovcov]

They worked fine today. I will see if there is any difference the next time it happens. Today I just made sure I held the left clamp when releasing the right clamp to halt the problem

 

[Irvin]

You could also move your starting clamp to the left side before releasing the right clamp. I've been using Drakulie's starting method. I run in two mains on the right side of the frame and one on the left. Then place a starting clamp on the 2nd main inside the frame opposite the starting end. Then I tension 1RM, 1LM, and 2LM all the held with the left fixed clamp. Then tension 2RM and hold with the right clamp and remove starting clamp. I use a piece of folded card stock to protect the string from the starting clamp - works great.

 

[uk_skippy]

16 April 2007 I wrote -

I also use start my rqts like that to. The only difference is that th handle of the clamp is pointing down. I also use some scrap leather to sit in-between the clamp and the grommet. Never had a problem with it.

Also, I put the clamp on 2L, then tension 1L > 1R > 2L > 2R and then continue on with 2 on one side, then 4 on the other and so on until the mains finish.

Regards

Paul

28 August 2009 I wrote

I start my mains by using a starting clamp on the inside of the frame and don't have a problem. I do clamp it on say the 2nd left main, and then the 1st string I tension is the 1st left main followed by the 1st right main. The starting clamp is designed for this process. What you need to do is make sure that the clamp is fitted flush, as YULitle states, against the grommet/frame. I also put some scrap leather inbetween the clamp and the frame just to protect the frame.

In the following Babolat video (at around 12:00), the guy from Babolat actually shows you how to use the clamp.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3083498355369693136

The method the OP is using is ok, but it needs to the refined. It certainly doesn't want to be at an angle as it is likely to damage things and it could 'snap' back while fighting the tension if it isn't set properly.

regards

Paul

28 August 2009 Irvin wrote -

I am glad you never had a problem doing that. When the original poster used his starting clamp to hold the string the starting clamp was bent up at 45 degrees and remained that way when the tension was pulled on the string from the bottom. That can't be flush against the frame except for the inner beveled edge of the frame. Wonder what is holding that clamp and string up with tension on the string?

When you place your starting clamp on the second main and pull tension on the first the starting clamp is pushing the grommet through the frame hole and hopefully not damaging the grommet. Good luck

Irvin

Is this the same Irvin that dismissed my starting method, but now uses the same method??

And while not taking anything away from Drakulie, I believe I mentioned it before he did; although difficult to check that info.

Although, this goes to show how we as stringers can look at differing methods and adjust our techniques accordingly.

Regards

Paul

p.s. - I'm not currently using that method; gone a bit old school. Not that I'd consider never using it again in the future.

 

[Sparkyovcov]

I'm pretty sure we all change/evolve our methods as we go along. And change back again..

Back to what Irvin said if I understand correctly, do you have card inside your starting clamp? Does the string not slip through the card?

Also, with the starting clamp on the inside of the frame. Does it push the grommet out?

 

[gotwheels]

uk_skippy, Good comments. I appreciated the simplicity of your method many years ago & still use it today. I am curious as to your current "old school" method.

Your participation on this site is appreciated & I always learn from you & your experience!

 

[Irvin]

Is this the same Irvin that dismissed my starting method, but now uses the same method??

And while not taking anything away from Drakulie, I believe I mentioned it before he did; although difficult to check that info.

Although, this goes to show how we as stringers can look at differing methods and adjust our techniques accordingly.

Regards

...Paul

p.s. - I'm not currently using that method; gone a bit old school. Not that I'd consider never using it again in the future.

Yes the same one.

 

[Rabbit]

uk_skippy, Good comments. I appreciated the simplicity of your method many years ago & still use it today. I am curious as to your current "old school" method.

Your participation on this site is appreciated & I always learn from you & your experience!

Let me second gotwheels sentiments. I consider it a privilege to read "how to's" from someone who actually does this in the big leagues. uk_skippy, your participation on these boards has been one of the bright spots, please continue. You use tried and consistent methods rather than some of the experimentation and conjecture we see all too often on the boards. You're definitely one of the guys who can help us all.